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This mind-blowing East African adventure tour combines the region's most unforgettable experiences. Seek out the rare mountain gorilla in Rwanda's steamy forests, enjoy thrill-packed safaris through lush forest and open savanna and see the crashing waters of Victoria Falls sparkling with spray. Be welcomed into small villages in Tanzania and Malawi, relax on sandy beaches at Lake Malawi and Zanzibar, and track the Big Five in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. This overland tour of Africa is the perfect way to discover everything that makes this part of the world so special.

NEW UPDATES FOR 2019:
In 2019 this trip will no longer visit Marangu or visit the Mshiri Village in this area. Instead this trip will go directly from Mto Wa Mbu to Usambara Mountains. Further there will be an additional night in Stone Town after visiting the northern beaches of Zanzibar. The length of the itinerary will not change.

Why you'll love this trip

The Masai Mara National Reserve is filled with iconic vistas and animals – safari through it with an early morning and late afternoon game drive in our overland vehicle

With gorilla permits included in the price of the trip, seek out the rare mountain gorilla on a trek through Rwanda's steamy forests and spend an unforgettable hour in their presence

Experience the two sides of Jinja, a riverside retreat at the source of the Nile but also the adventure capital of Uganda

Embark on a safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in an open roof safari 4x4 for a chance to see a Black Rhino.

Wander around Stone Town’s bustling bazaars and fragrant spice markets and receive a guided tour of the spice plantations

Feel the power of mighty Victoria Falls as we view them from the Zimbabwe side

Is this trip right for you?

Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid. But the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours - up and down hill. A top tip is to pack some gardening gloves to assist in any up-hill climbs.

Camp in the Serengeti National Park itself without fences between you and the animals. Your leader will brief you on the safety measures the group will need to take for the 2 nights spent in the park.

At Usambara Mountains the group will do a easy hike to the beautiful Irente viewpoint.

We use our purpose-built overland vehicles for the duration of this trip. This multi-purpose truck allows for great game viewing with large sliding windows. This means the trucks do not have air-conditioning and conditions can get dusty and hot.

The overland vehicle is large enough to seat up to 22 passengers and carries all the camping equipment needed for the duration of this trip. Therefore the going can be slow over the long distances and often bumpy roads.

This is a participatory camping trip. You will be expected to set up and take down you own tent as well as assist with food preparation and cleaning. This makes it quicker, easier, more fun and will bring the group closer together.

Some passengers on this trip will have been travelling together prior to the start of your trip, so they can help you get into the groove quickly.

As the early bird catches the worm, the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.

Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your Africa adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. Have your insurance details and next of kin information available for collection at this meeting. If you have the time, soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Nairobi. There are plenty of good bars and restaurants, while markets and shops have most things you could want or need, as well as various arts and crafts from the region. There's also the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum (author of Out of Africa), or Bomas of Kenya (displays of traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes) open for exploration.

Notes: Unfortunately petty crime has become fairly common in Nairobi and recently arrived visitors to the capital can often make for tempting targets. Your trip leader will verse you in a few worthwhile precautions at the welcome meeting. Some top tips are to get local advice on where to walk, keep valuables in a neck wallet or money belt or leave them secure in your hotel, and to not leave belongings unattended on chairs or the floor. Stay aware even when inside, as thieves and pickpockets have been known to operate indoors as well. There's no need to be paranoid, but appearing vigilant is a great deterrent to would-be thieves.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Nairobi - National Museum - USD10

Nairobi - Karen Blixen museum - USD14

Nairobi - National Park safari walk - USD30

Nairobi - Carnivore Restaurant - KES3600

Nairobi - Bomas of Kenya - USD12

Nairobi - Langata Giraffe Sanctuary - KES1200

Meals Included

Take in spectacular views of the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha and Elementaita on the drive north-west to Lake Nakuru National Park, situated in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. The drive will take approximately 3-4 hours. Arrive in time for a short evening game drive along the shore of the lake. Your camp tonight is located inside the park and has flush toilets and showers. Accommodation upgrades and WiFi are not available.

Lake Nakuru National Park is a small and compact area based around a lake that makes a great location for spotting wildlife. Along with the other members of the Big Five, Lake Nakuru harbours many rhinos and will be the best chance to get a great picture of these magnificent beasts.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities

Lake Nakuru - Game Drive

Meals Included

Rise early this morning for tea or coffee before going back into the park for a morning game drive. Return to camp for brunch before driving north-west to Eldoret, one of Kenya's fastest growing towns (approximately 5-6 hours.). Due to its high altitude, the town is an ideal training ground for middle and long distance athletes and is home to some of Kenya's most famous runners. Your campsite is located before Eldoret town. It has basic flush toilets and showers, with upgrades available.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities

Lake Nakuru - Morning Game Drive

Meals Included

Today you will leave Kenya behind and cross the border into landlocked Uganda, travelling on to its capital city, Kampala (approximately 8 hours, though it could take longer depending on border crossings). With a population of over 30 million, Uganda is one of the five countries that make up the East African Community. It's a country of great cultural diversity and in recent years has been one of the most progressive in the region in terms of health education relating to HIV. As today is a long travel day, take a break from setting up camp with a stay at a hotel.

Accommodation

Meals Included

Take the optional excursion of visiting the Chimpanzees of Kalinzu Forest this morning or enjoy the sounds of the forest from the comfort of your tent. More closely related to humans than any other living creature, the chimpanzees are a delight to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees. Then take the short drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Once camp is set there's an option to take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, well-known for pelicans, eagles and other wonderful birdlife, as well as its healthy population of hippos.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Optional Activities

Kalinzu Forest - Chimp trek - USD70

Queen Elizabeth National Park - Kazinga Channel boat cruise - USD30

Meals Included

Today, drive out of the Queen Elizabeth National Park on your way to the southwest tip of Uganda (approximately 6-7 hour drive). On this short game drive, cross your fingers and look out for elephants, lions, buffaloes, Ugandan kobs and waterbucks. When you arrive at the corner of Uganda, where the border touches Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, you’ll be based in Kisoro, which provides access to seven different Gorilla groups – like in Mgahinga, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Nshongi. The camp here has basic flush toilets and showers, with upgrades available.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities

Queen Elizabeth National Park - Game Drive

Meals Included

Joined by a local guide and trackers, climb through the rugged mountain terrain of Bwindi National Park to meet the eyes of these rare animals. No more than eight per day can visit any one habituated family and visits are strictly controlled to minimise the possibility of disturbance or transmission of disease to the animals. Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid, but the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours – up and down hill. You can usually get very close to the mountain gorillas, who are placid and gentle, and watching their movements is like seeing a mirror image of yourself. Be mesmerised as you watch them eat, sleep, groom and play – the giant silverback surveying the scene as the smaller ones laze in the trees or play like children. Your visit with the gorillas will last one unforgettable hour.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities

Kisoro - Mountain Gorilla Trek & Permit

Meals Included

When you are waiting for, or have completed, your gorilla visit, your leader will provide you with options and ideas on how you can spend your free day in the area around Kisoro. You can head out on more rainforest hikes to see monkeys, take some nature walks, join a hike up Mt Sabinyo – one of five volcanoes located in the Parc National des Volcans – or perhaps make a visit to the Batwa community, indigenous to the Great Lakes Region and found throughout Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and the eastern region of the Congo.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Optional Activities

Kisoro - Virunga Hike - USD50

Kisoro - Batwa Cultural Trail - USD80

Kisoro - Trek With Golden Monkeys (permit & guide only) - USD90

Kisoro - Sabinyo Trek / Mgahinga hiking - USD90

Kisoro - Mount Muhavura Trek - USD90

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

Optional activities require additional transport costs of approximately USD$100 that can be shared between up to 5-8 travellers.

Farewell the lands of the Gorilla and turn back towards the capital, Kampala. You’ll break up the journey at the pit-stoptown of Mbarara for the night (approximately 5-6 hours driving). There’s not much dressing up what is really just a stopping point, so spend the afternoon and evening relaxing at the camp, or maybe have a quick look around the town.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Meals Included

Today you'll continue your journey inland, travelling to Jinja (approx 7 hrs). Jinja is one of the highlights of any visit to Uganda, a riverside retreat at the source of the Nile but also the adventure capital of Uganda. Camp at a scenic riverside site with showers, flush toilets, WiFi and ATM access, and upgrades possible.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Meals Included

Located at the source of the Nile as it leaves Lake Victoria, Jinja is a place for the adventurer, the adrenaline junkie and the eco-traveller who wants to do something really worthwhile in a beautiful area. Maybe get active with some excellent white water rafting.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Optional Activities

Jinja - River Nile whitewater rafting (half day) - USD125

Jinja - River Nile whitewater rafting (full day) - USD140

Jinja - Village Walk - USD10

Jinja - Nile Boat Cruise - USD20

Jinja - Source of River Nile tour - USD10

Meals Included

Farewell Uganda and begin the journey back to Kenya and Nairobi, stopping overnight at the town of Kericho (approximately 9 hours, including border crossings). Kericho sits at the edge of South- Western Mau National Reserve and is known for its vast tea estates. Tonight's camp is on the grounds of a hotel with upgrades available.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Meals Included

This morning after breakfast, take the chance to visit one of the tea plantation the town is known for, learning about tea growing and production in Kenya. Afterwards, drive to the famous Masai Mara National Park (approximately 7 hours drive). The Masai Mara is the quintessential African experience, with sparse open plains, dramatic skies and the world's most iconic animals living within its boundaries. Explore this diverse environment and view a multitude of wildlife on an evening 4x4 game drive.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities

Masai Mara - 4x4 Game Drive

Tea plantation visit

Meals Included

Venture into the Masai Mara National Reserve for a full day's 4x4 game drive. You'll explore this diverse environment and most likely see a multitude of wildlife. An optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. If you have pre-booked this activity (see the 'Important Notes' section) you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing from your pilot. Then you will glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, which provides amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you will ascend, getting an overview of the enormity of the plains and of the early morning movements of the teeming herds. After landing, you'll be treated to a bush breakfast, then be returned to your campsite.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities

Masai Mara - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive

Optional Activities

Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD500

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

The balloon ride is offered as a pre-booked service which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited. If you participate in this activity you will miss the morning half of the included game drive.

Meals Included

Depart early for Mto Wa Mbu in your overland truck (approximately 8–9 hours). The trip includes a border crossing from Kenya into Tanzania, so be sure to have your passport handy. While you're on the road, there will be a stop at an ATM and a market or shop to stock up on any supplies you might need for the coming days. Arrive in Mto Wa Mbu and acquaint yourself with this delightful small village – it's a fascinating snapshot of small-town African life, situated well off the tourist trail. Tonight you'll stay at a campsite with flush toilets, showers and optional upgrades (subject to availability).

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Meals Included

Get up early, put your camping and personal gear into a six-person jeep and head out for an excursion into the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy a safari in the crater, spending between three and four hours exploring this incredible, perfectly intact volcanic crater. Watch for black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor offers excellent game viewing all year round (some 30,000 animals live here) and the photo opportunities here are unrivalled. Next it's on to the wide open plains of the Serengeti. Green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season, this is perhaps the quintessential image of Africa – the home of thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators. Your campsite is within the Serengeti itself, so listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift off to sleep. The camp is basic with limited running water and no upgrades or WiFi available.

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities

Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive

Serengeti National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

You will notice some Maasai villages in the region of the Ngorongoro crater offering a cultural experience. Intrepid recommends avoiding these villages, as they can impact negatively on the Masai culture and travellers' perceptions of it by selling an artificial experience.

Our camp within the Serengeti National Park does not have a fence to separate the camp from the animals. This is quite the experience as animals such as buffalo and hyenas often come close to camp after sundown. On arrival at the camp your leader will give a detailed safety briefing on what is required to ensure the safety of the group.

Awake at dawn and embark on a game drive. You will head out while the animals are at their most active, then head back to camp for brunch at around 11 am. After spending the middle of the day relaxing, just like the animals do, head out again as the day begins to cool. You'll return from this second game drive in time for dinner.

There's also the option of a balloon ride over the park today (in place of some of the morning game drive). If you have pre-booked this activity (please see the 'Important Notes' section) you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, you will glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, which provides amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you will ascend, getting an overview of the enormity of the plains and the early morning movements of the teeming herds. After landing, you'll be treated to a five-star bush breakfast, then be returned to your camp.

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities

Serengeti National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

Optional Activities

Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) - USD599

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

The balloon ride is offered as a pre-booked service which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited. If you participate in this activity you will miss the morning half of the included game drive.

Rise with the sun and enjoy another game drive as you exit the Serengeti. Jump back into your overland vehicle and head for Mto wa Mbu. Take a stroll and acquaint yourself with this delightful small village – it's a fascinating snapshot of small-town African life, situated well off the tourist trail. Tonight you'll stay at a campsite with flush toilets, showers and optional upgrades (subject to availability).

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities

Serengeti National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

Meals Included

This morning you will join the local community for a guided stroll around the farming areas, milling machine, and local homes and farmlands. You'll also have the chance to look around the town and visit the local market. You may wish to indulge in a spot of shopping –wood carvings and local artworks are the specialities of the area. Continue your drive to the village of Marangu (approximately 4–5 hours) and set up camp for the night. The camp is basic, with flush toilets and showers, situated on the lush green slopes of Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities

Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & market visit

Meals Included

Take a walking tour of Mshiri Village and witness the day-to-day life of the Chagga people, who are long established as crop-growers on the fertile slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. Walk around their shamba (farm) and perhaps sample the local Chagga food. Visit nearby waterfalls and stop to admire the view of the plains below. If the weather is clear, you can get a glimpse of the magnificent, snow-capped Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak (5,895 m). Then it's time to venture well off the beaten path and into the remote Tanzanian mountains (approximately 7 hours). Your base is the old German colony of Lushoto, and you'll stay in the grounds of one of the oldest hotels in Africa. The camp has flush toilets, showers, WiFi optional upgrades.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities

Marangu - village walk & lunch

Meals Included

Explore the beautiful Usambara Mountains, a lovely unspoilt area of Tanzania. Unlike the coast and the north, very few tourists visit this part of the country, so it has a freshness that can be hard to find elsewhere. As beautiful as the surrounding mountains and rainforests are, however, the real jewels here are the local people and villages. You'll experience some gentle hospitality on a visit to some of the small local communities. From your base, you will take a walk out to the gorgeous Irente viewpoint. It's best to pack some water and snacks in a day pack for this trip. On your way back, visit a local cultural project based at Irente farm and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities

Irente - Lushoto hike & local lunch

Meals Included

Leaving the mountains behind, travel still further south to the coastal town of Kipepeo Beach in Dar es Salaam (380km, approximately 9-10 hours). Your camp at Kipepeo is by the beach, so make the most of it – perhaps take a stroll along the shore after you arrive and settle in. The camp is on the grounds of a hotel with upgrades usually possible

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Meals Included

Catch a ferry to the 'Spice Island' of Zanzibar. Filled with idyllic beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar has a colourful history – everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast evokes what the island must have been like in Livingstone's day. The old part of Zanzibar's main city is known as Stone Town. The best way to see this exotic port town is on foot, exploring the markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards. When the sun is setting, perhaps enjoy a sundowner from a bar overlooking the seafront, and a seafood curry at a local restaurant. Spend a night in Stone Town at a basic inn with double/twin-share rooms and access to WiFi.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

As this is a combination trip the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet your new fellow travellers. Please note the Zanzibar portion of your itinerary may have more passengers than the maximum group size of 22 as we have a crossover of trips starting and finishing in Zanzibar.

Check out of your Stone Town hotel and drive to the spice plantations. Here you will receive a guided tour, during which you can learn all about the history of this town's renowned spice trade. You will also have the opportunity to touch, smell and taste various spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger. Sample some teas made with these spices too. After lunch you will head to the northern beaches, where white sands and sparkling blue seas await. This is the Indian Ocean at its best.

Accommodation

Bungalow (1 night)

Included Activities

Zanzibar - Spice tour

Meals Included

Enjoy free time in this beautiful archipelago today. There are many ways you can spend your day – perhaps talk to your leader for any recommendations they might have. Snorkelling in search of exotic fish is an excellent option. You might also like to feast on a sumptuous lunch of grilled local seafood, or simply relax in a hammock underneath a coconut tree with a good book.

Accommodation

Bungalow (1 night)

Optional Activities

Zanzibar - Dhow Trip - USD60

Zanzibar - Snorkelling - USD60

Meals Included

Check out early this morning and drive back to Stone Town. From here take the early ferry to the mainland, making tracks for Mikumi (approximately 6 hours from Dar es Salaam). Pass by Mikumi National Park - home to large herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions and leopards – so keep an eye out as you drive by.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

As this is a combination trip the composition of your group may change at this location.

This morning there is a chance to wake up early and take a 2 hour 4x4 game drive into the Mikumi National Park. Perhaps get a better look at that lion or zeal of zebra you saw from the main road yesterday. Then drive to Iringa (approximately 5 hours). You will set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse on the outskirts of this pleasant settlement. After you arrive and settle in, perhaps go for a walk around the old farmhouse to welcome the evening. The area is filled with natural bush land and dams which can make it a bird watchers paradise. Make the most of this rural setting by perhaps doing some stargazing before you retire for the night. Camp facilities, WiFi and accommodation upgrades are available.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Optional Activities

Kisolanza - Farm Walk - Free

Mikumi National Park - Morning 4x4 Game Drive - From USD80 - USD230

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

The price of the optional game drive will vary depending on the number of passengers.

Enter Malawi and travel to your campsite at Chitimba (approximately 10–12 hours). Malawi, the 'warm heart of Africa,' is dominated by its lake, which covers almost a fifth of the country and provides a livelihood for many Malawian people. Fishermen, fish traders and canoe and net makers all ply their trade on Lake Malawi. A common sight is that of a fisherman in a bwato (a dugout canoe made from a hollowed tree trunk) fishing on the still lake at the break of day. Camp facilities, WiFi and upgrades are available tonight.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Meals Included

Travel from Chitimba to Kande Beach on the shore of Lake Malawi (approximately 6 hours). There will be a chance to stop at a shop or market for any supplies you might need along the way. Enjoy a relaxing getaway from the commercialism and crowds with a few days on the lake's more peaceful beaches. Your campsite at Kande Beach is right on the shore of Lake Malawi. Accommodation upgrades are again possible (subject to availability). There is no WiFi, however.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Optional Activities

Lake Malawi - Guided village walks - USD10

Meals Included

Enjoy free time to soak up your idyllic surrounds. You might like to participate in one of the many water-based activities on offer – ask your leader for a recommendation. As well as chilling out on the beach, make sure you take the opportunity to meet some local Malawians – easily some of the friendliest people in Africa.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Optional Activities

Lake Malawi - Snorkelling - USD20

Lake Malawi - Pedalos - USD25

Lake Malawi - Canoe Hire - USD10

Lake Malawi - Bike Hire - USD25

Meals Included

Journey through southern Malawi and enter Zambia, continuing to South Luangwa National Park (approximately 9–10 hours). There will be border crossing formalities on the way, and a chance to stock up on goods at a shop or market and visit an ATM. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its lagoons is some of the highest in Africa. Take in the beautiful scenery and the abundance of game, watching out for colourful birds and herds of elephants. Your camp tonight has flush toilets, showers and WiFi. Upgrades are also offered (subject to availability).

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Meals Included

Rise early for an exhilirating morning game drive in a 4X4, then head back to the camp for lunch (as this is the hottest part of the day) and then perhaps return to the park for an optional game drive at night. A village walk is another good option, if you'd like a snapshot of daily life in the local community.

Accommodation

Meals Included

Another long drive today as you head for your camp just south of Lusaka city (approximately 9 hours). Arrive, stretch your legs and take a stroll to discover this cosmopolitan yet traditional town. Though it's fast developing, Lusaka retains a strong African feel, and the locals are warm and friendly. Your camp tonight has facilities and upgrades available. WiFi is not available at this location.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Meals Included

Travel to Harare today (approximately 8–9 hours). The first part of your journey takes you to the border with Zimbabwe. After formalities, enjoy a nice scenic drive of 60 kilometres or so, then continue to Harare. There will be a chance to stock up on whatever you need at a market or shop and visit an ATM. On arrival in Zimbabwe's capital you will have the afternoon to explore the town as you please. Perhaps head to the botanical gardens or local Sunday markets. Upgrades are available at camp; there is no WiFi, however.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

In winter months it may not be possible to explore Harare due to the limited day light hours.

Drive the short stretch to Masvingo (approximately 5–6 hours). This colonial settlement – the oldest in Zimbabwe – makes for the perfect base to explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The ruined city, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, was first constructed in the 11th century. It's thought to be the former royal palace of the Zimbabwean monarch. Spend a few hours exploring this intriguing site before heading off to camp. Your campground in Masvingo has shared facilities, with upgrades and WiFi available.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities

Masvingo - Great Zimbabwe Ruins guided visit

Meals Included

Travel to Bulawayo (approximately 5–6 hours). Known locally as the 'City of Kings', Bulawayo is Zimbabwe's second largest city. There is some impeccable colonial architecture to take in here. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore town - a 10 minute walk from the campsite. You might like to browse some local markets, chat with the locals or perhaps find a game of football or rugby to watch. The Natural History Museum and National Art Gallery are also worth checking out. Tonight you will stay in a campground with shared facilities. Upgrades and WiFi are available.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Optional Activities

Balawayo - Natural History Museum - USD10

Bulawayo - Railway Museum - USD2

Meals Included

Perhaps get up early and take the option to visit Matobo National Park. Home to a significant population of black and white rhinos, this optional activity gives you the unique experience to track these magnificent animals on foot. Here there will also be the chance to spot other game (the park is home to klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares among many others). while learning about the various local plant and trees, wild pear and paperbark among them. This impressive wildlife park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia and the De Beers diamond company. The Matopos area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people, and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Optional Activities

Matobo National Park - Guided walking safari - USD100

Meals Included

Depart Bulawayo and travel towards the stunning Victoria Falls (approximately 6 hours). Visit the magnificent Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls are an enormous curtain of water, about a mile wide, falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise up an incredible 400 m and the falls are an impressive raging torrent. The spray from the falls can sometimes be seen from kilometres away. It's no wonder that the local name Mosi oa Tunya means the 'smoke that thunders'. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and it's possible to see little islets in the river below.

Your leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer. We have not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in our trip notes are recommended. It is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk assessed or do not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles. If you are interested in the Optional Helicopter flight ( 12 minutes or 25 minutes ) we endorse the following operator only: Zambezi Helicopter co CAA Zimbabwe.

Tonight's campground is an ideal base, centrally located in the town of Victoria Falls. Upgrades and WiFi are available.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities

Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Special Information

You may also notice businesses offering an optional 'Walk with the Lions' experience. We ask all Intrepid travellers to avoid this activity as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many of our itineraries, we strive to only view animals in their natural habitats and to do so with the greatest level of respect. The lion walking industry directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions.

Read more about animal welfare and our ‘Born to Live Wild’ pledge here:
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/animal-welfare

Important notes

1.This trip requires a higher non-refundable deposit (AUD1000, USD1000, EUR800, NZD1250, GBP650, CAD1000, ZAR8000, CHF900) in order to secure the included gorilla permit. We also require full passport details at time of booking. Please note that we need to confirm availability of a gorilla permit if you are booking within 45 days of departure. The additional deposit paid at time of booking will be credited to the final balance of your booking.
2. A single supplement is available on this trip. Please see your booking agent for further information.
3. This is a combination trip made up of 3 shorter trips. This means the composition of your group may change in Nairobi and Stone Town as some group members leave and new ones join you.
4. The Zanzibar portion of your itinerary may have a few more passengers than the maximum group size of 22 as we have a crossover of trips starting and finishing in Zanzibar.
5. This trip finishes in Vic Falls after breakfast on Day 42. However, if you wish to enjoy some of the optional activities on offer perhaps consider an evening flight or an additional night here.

NEW UPDATES FOR 2019:
In 2019 this trip will no longer visit Marangu or visit the Mshiri Village in this area. Instead this trip will go directly from Mto Wa Mbu to Usambara Mountains. Further there will be an additional night in Stone Town after visiting the northern beaches of Zanzibar. The length of the itinerary will not change.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.